About this Project
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s (MWRA) Weston Aqueduct Supply Main 3 (WASM 3) consists of approximately ten miles of steel pipe, which was installed in the 1920s and 1930s, necessitating significant rehabilitation efforts. Importantly, the pipeline is a critical water supply route to the Northern High, Northern Extra High, and Intermediate High systems, servicing the following ten communities within the region: Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Medford, Lexington, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, and Winchester. WASM 3 is also able to provide water in an emergency to the Gillis Pumping Station, which serves communities of the North Shore, and to the Northern Intermediate High communities of the City Tunnel were to fail.
The WASM 3 CP2 project will take place in the City of Waltham along Section W10 of the water distribution system and in the Town of Belmont. The $21.5 million project was awarded to Albanese D&S, Inc. in Dracut, MA on February 25, 2026, with a total contract duration of 40 months. The Notice to Proceed date was March 20, 2026, and the project has a completion date of July 4, 2029.
Summary of Scope of Work
Construction Package 1 (CP1) was completed in May 2023 and included the rehabilitation of approximately 13,800 feet oof 56-inch and 60-inch diameter watermain lines in the Town of Arlington and the Cities of Medford and Somerville. This project, Construction Package 2 (CP2) will continue with the replacement and rehabilitation of an additional 3,540 feet of 60-inch diameter watermain lines. Importantly, this project will also:
- Repair two chronic leak sites with the installation of 540 feet of carbon fiber lining;
- Install four butterfly valves;
- Replace a water meter in the City of Waltham; and,
- Replace a water meter in the Town of Belmont.
To conduct the work, roadway excavation and access pits will be utilized. Temporary paving will be installed at the conclusion of each work week where excavations and pits have been backfilled. Permanent paving will be coordinated at least 90 days after completion of the project to allow subsurface soils to settle and provide a better road restoration product for motorists.
While construction is underway, traffic management plans, such as lane closures and traffic detours, may be implemented to enable a safe and efficient work environment for crews. Detours will be clearly marked with signage, and police details will be on site to assist motorists. Additionally, residents and local businesses will have access to their properties while work is underway.
Please note, property owners within approximately a 250 foot radius of the project will be offered a free pre-construction survey of their property at no cost prior to the start of construction conducted by Seismic Solutions, Inc. of Lancaster, MA. Notices regarding the pre-construction surveys will be sent out via certified mail to property owners in August 2026.
Schedule and Locations
To ensure water distribution isn’t disrupted during the high demand season, construction work will be conducted only between September 15th and May 15th, when water usage is much lower. The preliminary work schedule and specific details for the project are:
Segment 1:
- Mid-September 2026 – Winter / Spring 2027
- Work will be conducted during daylight hours and completed by 3:30PM daily, Monday through Friday.
- The pipeline rehabilitation route will occur along Bellevue Street, Sun Street, Central Avenue, Felton Street, Moody Street, and Main Street to Linden Street in the City of Waltham.
Segment 2:
- September 2027 – Winter / Spring 2028
- Work will be conducted during daylight hours and completed by 3:30PM daily, Monday through Friday.
- Pipeline rehabilitation along Liden Street from Main Street and Waverley Oaks Road at Beaver Street.
- Meter Replacement on Waverley Oaks Road at Beaver Street in the City of Waltham.
- Meter replacement at the Pleasant Street and Lake Street intersection in the Town of Belmont.